Hello everyone and welcome to chapter 10. I hope you enjoyed the bit of backstory to the Celestial I said previously, I'll be introducing the other Guardians in throughout the next handful of chapters. And hopefully developing Kouki's relationships within the group after having felt guilty for hiding the truth about Ken being the Digimon Emperor. I don't own Digimon. But all the same please read, follow, favorite, review and enjoy.

Chapter 10:

The Captive Digimon

When the group returned to the computer lab, Kouki was in a place between waking and dreaming. Someone gave him Shimon, who was still just as out of it, and he clung to her as if she were his last link to the waking world. He hardly had a recollection of the past few days, but no matter how far out of it he was, he couldn't believe he'd relied on Joint so early. Much less that such a basic evolution had cost him so much energy.

"Hey, buddy, can you hear me?"

That was Davis. He should be mad at him, right? But he didn't have the strength to ask why the other Digidestined was even talking to him, so he just nodded instead.

"Alright good. Is there anyone at your home? To look after you?" Davis questioned.

Why was he even asking this? Kouki could take care of himself. But he shook his head, feeling an almost overwhelming wave of nausea hit him.

"We can't just leave him alone," Kari was worried again. It was his fault, he needed to stop worrying her.

"'M fine," he slurred. Great. Perfect. Way to convince them you're coherent, he thought tartly.

"I can take him to my house, my parents are on a trip, so they won't ask questions."

"Will you be able to get him to your place alone?"

"I think so, I don't live too far from the school."

"Make sure you text us when you get home safe, Davis."

Someone—probably Davis—helped Kouki to his feet, urging him to walk. The Digidestined of Dreams merely day dreamed as he allowed himself to be led into the cold night air. And the walk seemed all too quick, as they reached Davis' house.

"Here, you can sleep on my bed. I need to tell the others we made it," Davis announced, setting Kouki down on the soft surface of his bed. By the time the door clicked shut, Kouki was laying on his side, curled around Shimon. The pillows smelled like sweaty socks, but at this point, Kouki was too tired to nag Davis about the odor. In a matter of minutes, he was sound asleep.

Kari was worried. And perhaps that was an understatement. She'd seen first hand that Kouki had been acting off for the past handful of days after revealing he'd known Ken was the Digimon Emperor. Of course, she'd felt betrayed at first upon learning that'd he'd kept such a big secret from the group. From her. But...

But she couldn't help but think she would have done the same thing if she had been in Kouki's place. Kari knew he wanted to protect them. If nothing else showing them Shiroangemon at this stage represented his want to protect them. Or he hadn't had the power to Digivolve till now. Personally, Kari would rather believe the former reason.

"Is everything okay, Kari?" Gatomon questioned, popping watching her partner do her homework from the bed. At least she seemed to have the same confidence in Kouki and Shimon as Kari did. She wished some of the others would give them the same chance.

"I'm just thinking," Kari replied, turning back to her math work. She frowned as she glanced at the problem, no wonder she'd let her mind drift with such a difficult problem before her.

Kari could feel her partner's eyes on her, and without a second a second thought, she closed her math book and stepped over to her bed. "How are you doing?" She gently lifted the cat Digimon onto her lap, stroking her behind her ears.

"I'm worried about Agumon," Gatomon replied a moment later, "And Kouki and Shimon. I want them to stay with us so we can help them, but if they didn't trust us enough to tell us about Ken and being the Celestial Guardians then... I don't know if they will want to stay with the Digidestined."

"You don't really think you'd leave, do you?" Kari asked, looking down at her partner in shock. She couldn't begin to imagine any of the Digidestined group leaving them. Not Davis, despite how annoying he could be sometimes, or Yolei, even if she was too loud and instinctive usually, or Cody, who was perhaps too calm and quiet sometimes, or TK, even if he wanted to be something more than friends, or Kouki, who rarely ever let anyone close to him.
Kari didn't want to loose Kouki. Not as a friend, and not as whatever they might become in the future.

The Digidestined awoke to the blaring sound of an alarm, a wave of nausea and feeling utterly lost. Kouki didn't know where he was until he caught sight of his friend sleeping on the floor. With one problem solved, he sat up, reaching over to the alarm and shutting off the loud noise. The nausea he could do nothing about, he'd have to wait until Davis woke up to see if he had anything to remedy the sickness.

To his right, Shimon shifted in her sleep, laying side by side with Demiveemon. The two in training Digimon were still sound asleep. The thought of more sleep lured Kouki into laying back down on the bed. He felt himself drifting off again before he felt a buzz in his pocket.

With some difficulty, he pulled his phone from his pocket. The list of missed called and text messages was overwhelming enough, and it wasn't exactly what he wanted to deal with in the morning. But, he at least had to let Katsuo and the others know he was okay before they filed a missing persons report. And then, thinking back to last night, they still had to deal with Skullgraymon, didn't they? Kouki couldn't do that alone, he needed more help than the armor Digimon could give. So with some hesitation, he sent a message to Asuka before he fell asleep once more.

Kouki was the first one to the computer lab when school ended the next day. It'd taken a while for him to convince the others that he was well enough to help them hunt down Skullgraymon, but the Digidestined hadn't had any luck tracking him down thus far. The Digidestined of dreams supposed they had no hope to find him today either, or else they probably wouldn't have allowed him to come.

"Are you sure you're up for it?" Shimon questioned her partner.

"I'm fine, Shimon. Besides, I'm more worried about you," Kouki replied, pulling his Digimon into his arms. The little in training Digimon quickly readjusted her position in his lap, ducking her head under one of his hands.

"You don't need to worry about me, Kouki, us Digimon recover quickly."

The Guardians of Ice and Light looked up as the door slid open to see their old friend. Asuka had agreed immediately when Kouki requested her help and explained the situation to her. Of course, she was probably excited to return to the Digital World and reunite with her partner.

"I hope I'm not late," she greeted warmly, pulling up one of the computer lab's chairs. "How are you two feeling today?"

Shimon lifted herself away from Kouki to look up to Asuka. "Why does everyone keep asking that? It's already been two days," the dog like Digimon whined.

"I can't help it, I worry about you two. You don't even have our wonderful digital guardian looking after you," Asuka ruffled the Digimon's fur with a grin. She was like an older sister to all the Guardians, as caring and concerned for them as ever. Not to mention, she was the only one to have gotten onto Gomamon's good side.

"Oh yeah, he was a wonderful guardian," Kouki snorted. The seal Digimon didn't have a parental bone in his body. But it wasn't like Kouki didn't want to meet back up with him one of these days.

The trio looked up once more as the door slid open, Cody and Tai entering. The latter frowned as he looked around the room, noticing the distinct lack of other Digidestined. "Where are the others?" Tai snapped.

Kouki unintentionally flinched at the harsh tone of the 1st generation's leader. "They aren't here yet," he answered swiftly. He hadn't worked with Tai all that much, but he'd never seen the Digidestined angry before. But then again, Kouki supposed he'd be distressed if Ken took Shimon from him.

The room fell into silence as Tai paced, and Cody took a seat at one of the computers. He looked over at Kouki and Asuka, studying them for a moment in the silence. His gaze was next to impossible to ignore.

"Hello, I'm Asuka, Kouki's friend. And you are?" Asuka broke the silence, holding out a hand to Cody. Her very presence was warm and inviting, seeming to calm the room as Tai slowed his pacing momentarily.

The youth stared at it for a moment before shaking the offered hand. "I'm Cody, it's nice to meet you," Cody replied. The two Digidestined began a casual conversation, each equally polite as they chatted quietly.

Only a few minutes pasted before Davis burst into the room followed by TK and Kari. "You're late," Tai reprimanded with a glare.

"We're so sorry Tail," Kari apologized.

"Hey don't blame Kari! It was my fault, I had this haircut appointment but when I looked in the mirror my hair was perfect," Davis interjected.

"The problem is he was looking in the mirror for over an hour!" TK added.

Rain began to softly pelt against the window at there was an overlapping moment of silence in which Tai stared at Davis in disbelief. "What about Agumon?" Tai asked trying to refrain from yelling.

"He can make his own appointment," Davis answered. And oh god, was that the worst possible answer Davis could have given. Of all the things he could have said, it had to be a joke that came out.

"Davis if you're going to be a member of the Digidestined you're going to have to think less of your hair and more of the team," Kari scolded.

"And keeping secrets falls under team traits?" Tk scoffed. Everyone's attention turned to the Digidestined of light who glared at Kouki. For having a common attribute, Kouki just didn't know how to talk to the guy, but it wasn't like TK made much of an effort either.

Perhaps he should have said something in his own defense, but instead he let the room fall into silence again. It wasn't like TK was wrong. He had been keeping plenty of secrets from the group, but where he drew the line, he knew not.

"Let's go save Agumon," Kari suggested.

"But where's Yolei?" TK questioned.

"She's cleaning her glasses," Izzy supplied as he entered the room. The tech genius set to work immediately, pulling up the gate to the Digiworld.

"As big as her glasses are that could take hours. When are people going to learn to wear goggles?" Davis whined.

"Well hurry up and go find her so we can leave already!" Tai ordered.

"Okay, okay," Davis frowned, standing up from his seat and moving towards the door.

"I'll go too," Cody volunteered. following the goggle head. But as soon as the duo were out the door they heard Cody exclamation of "Yolei!"

"Hey how are you doing?" Yolei asked dully at she followed the two boys back into the computer lab. She looked, well, utterly depressed. Just what had happened?

"Yolei we've been waiting for you to go to the Digiworld," Tai said, "We're going to save Agumon."

"And show that Digimon Emperor just who's boss!" Davis added.

And really? For the two being leaders they couldn't tell that was exactly the opposite of what Yolei needed right now. Kouki stood up from his chair, "You don't have to go if you don't feel up to it." The room froze, eyes turning to Yolei.

"Huh?" Yolei gaped in surprise. But honestly Kouki didn't really talk to her that much unless he was already conversing with the others. And, maybe that was a trend now, and perhaps Kouki should really start trying to become closer to the rest of the team from now on.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to," Kouki repeated, he glanced to Asuka, "Asuka's going to tag along with us today so we won't exactly be one member down or anything. Besides, we might not even run into Skullgraymon or Ken today."

"Um, if everyone's alright with it," Yolei spoke cautiously, looking around to the others for guidance.

"Yeah and you can do my math homework!"

"Mine too!"

"Now that I think about it my Kendo sticks could use some cleaning."

"You sure?" Yolei asked.

"What do I have to do? Hold up a sign? If everyone says you should stay then you should stay," Gatomon reasoned.

"Gatomon's right. If you don't feel like going to the Digiworld then I don't feel like going either," Poromon said.

"Now that it's finally settled let's go get Agumon back," TK said.

"Right," Kari said taking out her Digivice and walking to the computer, "If everyone's ready let's go Digidestined! Digiport open!"

"It's good to have to whole gang back again! Welcome to my tree house!" Tentamon proclaimed. The group had entered the Digiworld on the lava plain, a dingy tree sitting between the puddles of lava. How it survived there was beyond Saemon.

"It's our tree house Tentamon, we both built it," a voice purred. The 1st and 2nd generation members all but gasped at the majestic lioness who jumped from the tree, landing elegantly. Her tail waved back and fourth as she stretched on the lava plains.

"Liollmon, it's good to see you," Asuka greeted. She was so excited, she could almost cry. It felt like it'd been forever since she'd seen her partner. She bent down, scratching her beautiful Digimon behind her ears.

"Asuka, Kouki, Saemon, Digidestined,' Liollmon purred, her ears flicking slightly.

"Liollmon here has been helping me get information from the Digimon around her. She could talk a cat out of its fur!" Tentamon explained to the Digidestined.
Every since they'd met, Liollmon had indeed been a sweet talker. She was always able to talk her way out of danger or get anything the Guardians needed on their journey, including information from Fujinmon's followers. Asuka had never been prouder of her lazy Digimon helping those in need.

"Have you two figured out where Agumon is?" Patamon questioned.

"One of my informants said they spotted the Digimon Emperor around Rail Town, if Agumon is still under his control, the Digimon Emperor is going to keep him close," Liollmon informed the group. She pulled away from Asuka, and the Digidestined had half a mind to complain, wishing they'd have time to catch up. "I'll lead the way, we'll need to go through some of the Emperor's controlled areas so make sure you all keep an eye out. Tentamon, scout up ahead for us, and warn us if you see any controlled Digimon. It's a bit far away, so it'd be best for us to Digivolve to carry you Digidestined.

Asuka nodded, pulling out her Digivice, there was no reason for a Joint evolution, so champion should do for now. She watched her graceful Digimon as she evolved into Liamon. The large lion bent down, allowing Asuka to climb onto her back.

Behind her, she caught a glimpse of Shisoumon, and truly the Armor Digimon was everything the others had described to her. The power and strength that seemed so refined in Shiroangemon was put on full display, as if the Armor Digimon was prepared to go to battle at any moment.

That look suits Saemon, Asuka grinned, running her fingers through her Digimon's fur as the lioness stood up slowly.

Indeed, perhaps even more so than that of Shiroangemon.

"I'll lead the way, stay close or you'll be left behind," Liamon warned the group before bounding off towards Rail Town, the rest of the Digidestined and partners following.

It's been a long time. Liamon's thought suddenly popped into Asuka's mine, startling her, but only momentarily. It felt so right being in the Digital World with Liamon after all.

Too long, Asuka agreed, but you seem to be doing just fine out here.

We're not exactly the Guardians we should be without you here, we're unable to Digivolve. It's frustrating, all we could do was watch the Digimon Emperor take over this world.

I'm sorry Liamon, I'd have been here in a heartbeat had I known. Asuka frowned, because surely there was a way they could have been called back to the Digital World. Couldn't Owryumon had sent for us?

Liamon shook her head, we tried to talk to him about it, but he wouldn't listen. He kept telling us it wasn't a job for the Celestial Guardians, but…

Asuka cocked her head, prompting her Digimon, But?

But I can feel the darkness in the world growing. Something's coming, Asuka. Something big. And I don't think we'll be enough to stop it this time

"Look a Control Spire," Tai announced, snapping the duo from their thoughts, "This is one of the areas controlled by the Digimon emperor!" As he spoke, the ground began to tremble underfoot, and it was only a matter of moments before a Woodmon appeared.

"I am Woodmon and I cannot be defeated!" the Digimon thundered. And Asuka resisted the urge to roll her eyes, because really, dramatic much.

"Liamon, can you handle this?" Asuka asked her Digimon.

"I thought you'd never ask, hold on tight, Asuka," Liamon growled, barreling into the tree Digimon.

Woodmon lost its balance on contact, falling over and allowing Liamon to pin it down before she bit off the dark ring. A moment later they heard a crash behind them, signifying the tower had been destroyed. Cautiously, the lioness stepped off Woodmon, allowing the previously controlled Digimon back up.

"What happened? Who are you?" the Woodmon asked, perplexed.

"We're the Digidestined," Tai interjected, riding Flamedramon up to convene with Asuka. "Have you seen the Digimon Emperor?"

The Woodmon's narrowed his eyes for a moment in thought before nodding, "He seemed to be heading towards Rail Town."

"Thank you, Woodmon. Tai, we should continue on to Rail Town," Asuka suggested. They were getting closer, but they had to hurry if they wanted to catch up with the Digimon Emperor, who knew if Rail Town was his destination or if he'd keep on going.

Tai nodded sharply, and Asuka took the lead with Liamon once more. As her Digimon ran, she could feel her powerful muscles rippling beneath her fur coat. And through their shared silence, Asuka wondered if her partner was as worried as she was about finding Agumon. No Digimon deserved to be controlled like a puppet.

"Look! Up ahead is Rail Town!" Asuka called back to the rest of the group. She saw Tai's features soften with relief momentarily before he took the lead.

"Looks more like grass and hill town to me," Davis commented.

And something felt off.

The group stopped, Dedigivolving their partners so they could enter the city a bit more covertly. Hopefully, Ken wasn't expecting them here and they could avoid battle until they found Agumon. If not, well Asuka was more than prepared to go through with a Joint Evolution.

"Come on guys Agumon is in there," Tai said looking at the dark spire, "Everyone split up and start looking for him."

Asuka quickly latched onto Kouki as her partner, vaguely gesturing to the area they'd search before departing from the rest of the group. It wasn't like she dislikes them—unlike Katsuo—in fact, she didn't think it'd be too bad to join this team and go on more adventures in the Digital World, but something was unsettling her. And if traveling in the Digital World had taught her anything, it was to listen to her instincts.

"What's going on?" Kouki asked quietly as they ducked into one of the many buildings in Rail Town.

"I don't know," Asuka admitted after a moment of trying to put a name to what she felt. It was strange, almost like there was a thick darkness pulsing through the air. Not the comforting sensation of Katsuo and Crubimon's but something much more sinister. "Can you feel anything?"

Kouki paused for a moment, closing his eyes to better focus before he grimaced. "I, I think so. But I'm not, I don't know how to explain it. We need to get back to the others and get out of here."

Asuka grabbed him arm before Kouki could leave and shook her head, "They aren't going to leave until they have Agumon. Finding him is our top priority."

If only they'd had the chance.

"How endearing," a voice said.

Tai looked up from his heartfelt reunion with his Digimon. This was the kid who had captured his partner and forced him through that evolution. Who made him fight his friends. If Ken didn't deserve Tai's wrath, he didn't know who did.

"It's Ken!" Kari shouted. And had Tai ever heard his little sister so mad at someone else before?

"My name is the Digimon Emperor," Ken snapped back, cracking his whip.

"So now you don't want to be called Ken?" Davis fumed.

"You really don't want to make me mad!" Kenny bellowed.

"So, this is the guy that put Agumon in a cage like a wild animal," Tai growled, letting Agumon slide off his back. After everything Agumon had gone through, protecting the rookie was at the top of his list of priorities. Tai would not let Ken lay another hand on his beloved partner unless it was over his dead body.

"I think you have bigger things to worry about than me at the moment," Ken replied with a smirk.

As if on cue, a large explosion rocked the town, and the team of Digidestined looked over at the smoke rising, a pair of Airdramon circling overhead. But there was nothing over there? Why should they even worry about… Oh no.

"That's in the direction Kouki and Asuka went," Kari whispered.

Had Ken just blown up two Digidestined?

The villainous teenager laughed, likely at their distraught state. But could he really blame them? He'd seriously injured and possibly killed two of their friends.

All because of Agumon. All because Tai let Ken get to Agumon.

"We have to help them!" Davis was desperate, looking at Tai for direction. But what was he supposed to have them do, how could they even help Asuka and Kouki, none of them had medical experience.

"You should worry more about yourselves!"

The growls of various Digimon arose from all around as four Darktyranmon and three Airdramon made themselves known. The odds were truly against them.

"We're surrounded!" TK spat, quickly armor Digivolving Patamon. At least he could fight, Tai couldn't even help Agumon Digivolve to Champion. The other 2nd generation members followed TK's lead, all gearing up for a fight, knowing the more time they spent here, the more danger they put their friends in.

"Ogonnomon, now!"

The Digidestined watched as one of the Airdramon was knocked to the ground, it's dark ring destroyed, and its attacker standing over it. The tall humanoid Digimon stepped further into his sight and Tai could barely suppress a gasp at the sight.

Golden hair trailed over the warrior's right shoulder, woven into a French braid, a fuzz of hair rose from her head, acting as a mane. Two rounded ears peaked out from her head, and a long, slim tail waved lazily behind her. Her eyes were like molten gold, reflecting the sun's light as she studied her opponents. Clipped around the neck of the lioness warrior was a gold collar, a deep blue ribbon trailing behind her. Her midriff, chest and right shoulder were shielded with a purple armor, it looked worn, as if it'd seen too many battles. From each forearm to her hands were light purple, fingerless gloves, more purple armor overlaid on her arms. Her pants looked padded, but skin tight, more armor winding up her legs. She wore worn black boots with heavy soles. The warrior's hands were wrapped around twin swords, a blue design winding its way up the blade.

Captivated by the lioness warrior, Tai jumped as he heard something land beside him. An angelic Digimon, likely Shiroangemon based off Davis' description, landed, letting her two charges down to the ground. Asuka and Kouki were fine, if not a little roughed up, but the armor on the two seemed to have shielded them from most of the damage.

Asuka's hair had been wrestled into a French brain, her captive locks tumbling down her back. She had the same armor as the lioness, but colored in shades of blue, looking as if the color of the ocean was frozen in one moment for all of eternity. A golden collar sat around the base of her neck, a purple ribbon trailing down her back in place of the blue the lioness had. Crossed on her back were two swords similar to those of the lioness, yet purple twisted its way up the length of the blade.

She looked beautiful in every meaning of the word. Beautiful, yet deadly.

"Are you all okay?" Asuka questioned, Shiroangemon taking off with a burst of wind to help the Armor Digimon.

And for the life of him, Tai could not think of a single word to say. He just…stood there. Staring. Which was probably more than a bit creepy. Kari elbowing him in the side forced him back to reality.

"Yeah, we're fine. Uh, thanks for saving us, we thought you two had gotten hurt. But I'm glad to see that's not the case. I think we'll be able to take down Ken now," Tai rambled. Oh, he was rambling, why now? He blushed furiously, both in his own mortification for his lack of ability to speak properly and because he caught himself staring again. The only thing he wanted was to get back home, and maybe Asuka's number.

Right now, was so not the time to think about that!

"We should get you and Agumon out of here. He's the one Ken is targeting. Kouki, do you think you could make an opening for us?" Asuka turned to her friend, her voice an unwavering calmness in the sea of chaos surrounding them.

"What should we do?" Davis questioned.

"We need to keep Ken distracted," Kouki answered, "Do you think you'll be able to make it without Ogonnomon?"

Asuka frowned, contemplating for a moment before nodding. "We'll have to. Once I get them to the real world, I'll come back and help you out." Asuka scooped up Agumon, ignoring the surprised Digimon's protest. "Think you'll be able to keep up?"

Tai nodded, and the duo surveyed their allies until they found what they were looking for. As soon as the opening appeared the trio rushed past the enemy. And once they were clear of the battle, they slowed to a steady jog.

"How are you doing?" Asuka questioned. And really, Tai couldn't believe she wasn't out of breath, carrying Agumon and all. She seemed to sense his suspicion as she grinned, "Joint Evolution powers up both partners, so my stamina and strength are upped a bit."

"Wow. That must be-!"

"Duck!' Asuka barreled into him, knocking him into a nearby building as the ground where they had previously been erupted in an explosion. Overhead, Tai could hear the shriek of an Airdramon. "One of them must have escaped the group," Asuka hissed. And damn it, she was so close.

"What should we do?" Agumon questioned.

Asuka set the dinosaur like Digimon down, peeking out of the door way to try and see where Airdramon was. She huffed, shaking her head. "I can try and hold it back for a bit. But you two will need to book it," she whispered, "Can you check to see if this place has a back door?"

Tai nodded, traveling further into the confines of the small house. But there was nothing besides the small windows he and Agumon would be unable to get through. "It doesn't look like there's any other exits," he reported, returning to Asuka and Agumon. The Airdramon shrieked again, another explosion rocking the house a moment later.

"Are you really going to be able to fight by yourself?" Agumon asked quietly.

Asuka gave him a pained smile with a small shake of her head. "I won't be able to fight it, but I can keep it distracted. Ogonnomon and the others are still occupied with the other Digimon, she'll try and come as soon as possible. She says Ken is starting to head over here, so it's now or never. Can you two do it?"
Tai scooped Agumon into his arms, frowning at the weight of his Digimon before nodding. They'd have to be quick if they wanted to escape. Maybe they'd be able to find an area without any dark spires so Agumon can Digivolve.

"Alright, let's go now," Asuka rushed out of the house with a speed rivaling that of Ogonnomon's.

As she went towards the Airdramon, Tai ran away from it. The roar of the angered Digimon still thundered in his ears. He ran for about ten minutes; all his years of soccer had never prepared him to sprint across a town carrying a twenty to thirty-pound Digimon and he could already feel himself slowing.

"Keep going Tai!" Agumon encouraged, looking highly uncomfortable for being carried. It was probably strange for him to be the one being protected as the case was usually the opposite. But right now, getting his buddy away from Ken was Tai's top priority.

The trace amounts of what remained of his adrenaline rush propelled him for another ten minutes before he was forced to stop. As he slowed down, he let Agumon push away from his arms, allowing them both to walk to the small cover a nearby train station provided. They were twenty minutes away but only to the edge of Rail Town. Nowhere near far enough. He'd have to start looking for a TV to take them both back to the human world soon.

Suddenly a whirl of wind passed by him, part of the train station collapsing inward with the force of whatever had hit it. The partners looked at each other in surprise before making the short dash to the ruined section of the train station to cure their curiosity. Tai was left stricken by the sight.

Asuka lay in the debris from the ruined train station. She didn't appear to be conscious, and blood dripped from her forehead. She hadn't been able to hold the Airdramon off for very long, but every second had allowed Tai to get further away, yet now that effort had been wasted. It wasn't like he could leave the Digidestined here for the Airdramon or Ken to find, but he couldn't carry both her and Agumon—in fact, he very much doubted he would even be able to carry her. And no offense to Agumon, but the small dinosaur Digimon wasn't exactly the best sprinter.

"What should we do, Tai?" Agumon asked. And Tai could practically feel the worry radiating off of him. His partner did not want to be captured by Ken again, but surely the decision was just as hard for him to make. Neither knew what to do. They were trapped.

"Finally, I've found you."

Tai barely had enough time to turn before he saw the modified dark ring wrap itself around Agumon's arm. And the Digidestined of Courage watched in horror as his Digimon was forced to evolve into Metalgraymon. There was nothing he could do.

"Metalgraymon!" Tai yelled, hoping to break through the control of the dark spiral. But his partner could not hear him, and Tai barely realized there was someone pulling him back before Metalgraymon could crush him underfoot.

"Come on Tai, you need to get out of here," Davis urged, pulling his senior away from the rampaging Digimon. Tai hadn't even realized they'd arrived until now. But when he saw the armor Digimon charge Metalgraymon, he knew their intent.

"Don't hurt him!"

It wasn't really like he had to worry about that. Metalgraymon was too strong, knocking the armor Digimon back in one attack.

"Kouki, can't you and Shiroangemon do something?" Kari questioned, at Tai's side, making sure he stayed out of the line of fire.

"We can try, but we run the risk of hurting him," Kouki responded. And Tai didn't know if he could stand the thought of himself, or the other Digidestined, attacking and hurting Metalgraymon.

"I can try."

The other Celestial Guardian was on her feet, Ogonnomon supporting her. Asuka was still obviously injured, but she still looked just as determined as before. The Digidestined of Sympathy wiped the trail of blood from her forehead, smearing it over her gloves. "I think Ogonnomon and I should be able to target the Dark Spiral if you can get him to stand still for a moment."

The tall lioness Digimon nodded along with her partner. "Perhaps if Shiroangemon could freeze Metalgraymon for a moment, but our success rate is low," the Digimon rumbled, her voice surprisingly deep, but strangely comforting.

"We should give it a shot," Kouki commented, turning to Tai.

He was the reason they weren't attacking. But if he'd acted sooner, run faster, protected his partner, they wouldn't even be in this situation. So, Tai gathered his resolve before giving them a stiff nod, "We should try it."

Asuka nodded gravely, turning to the rest of the Digidestined. "Alright, Shiroangemon's going to need a moment to power up, so we'll need the armor Digimon to distract Metalgraymon for a bit. Once Metalgraymon's frozen, Ogonnomon and I will attack from his rear. If we miss, we'll need to regroup and make another plan."

The 2nd Gen nodded, convening with their Digimon to pass on the plan. Shiroangemon lifted Kouki up into the sky, and before long they left Tai's field of vision.
"We will try our best not to hurt him," Asuka whispered gently, "I can tell you care for him, and I'm sure he doesn't blame you for this."

And wow, it almost seemed like Asuka had read his mind, telling him exactly what he needed to hear. But before he could discuss the matter any further, the Digidestined and her partner had vanished, leaving Tai alone to watch their plan unfold.

Just as planned, the Armor Digimon distracted Metalgraymon, drawing his attention with attacks aimed around him, but never directly at him. The ray of ice which froze Tai's partner to the ground tumbled from the sky, Shiroangemon and Kouki out of sight, likely to have prevented the Digimon from detecting them. Little more than a second later, the wind picked up, a full-blown gust nearly knocking him over.

It was all around him, the very wind carrying Asuka and Ogonnomon's voices. Tai had no clue where they were exactly, but the tornado formation forming behind Metalgraymon was a dead giveaway. But the Digimon had yet to see it, trying to get the armor Digimon away.

Ken almost didn't notice it either, until the Digimon Emperor set eyes on the wind formation. The Airdramon and Darktyranmon stopped aiming at the Armor Digimon, instead changing their focus to Asuka and Ogonnomon. But they were too late, wind hurtled towards Metalgraymon—who's state Ken had just realized—and funneled, hitting the spiral dead on.

Dust was blown up into the air, causing Tai to cough. And the little visibility of the fight he'd had was gone. Another voice weaved its way into the wind, and a gentle breeze blew through the area, the dust quickly settling. But it was too late

Agumon and Ken were gone.